Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: January 4 ,2026

Date: The Epiphany of the LORD

Scripture Text:  Matthew 2:1-12

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.”

When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.”

Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.”

After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today recounts the visit of the magi to the infant Jesus and Mary, his mother. The account underscores the LORD’s activity in the world through the appearance of the star that guided the magi and through the dream that warned them to depart Bethlehem by another route to avoid Herod.  

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

 How attentive am I to God’s ongoing power and presence in my life and world?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your only-begotten Son to us as your Son and our brother. He dwelt among us and took on our human nature in all ways except sin. He was sent from You to be our redeemer. And human history was forever changed. The magi from the east saw your star and followed it to your Son and his mother, Mary. Send your Spirit to help us better read the signs of your ongoing power and presence in our world, in our midst, in our lives, in ourselves. May we be open to the personal epiphanies that come when we gain insight into your love, your ways, your Being. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.